Anchorage Daily News

The Anchorage motorcycle rider who was killed Monday night on an Eagle River road has been identified by Anchorage police.

John C. Wiles, 41, was killed when his Honda motorcycle left the road near Needels Loop and the Old Glenn Highway at about 7:15 p.m. and he was tossed into trees, according to police.

Wiles was rushed to an Anchorage hospital, where he died of his injuries, police said.

According to witness statements, Wiles was negotiating a curve in the road in an area with a speed limit of 45 mph, but he may have been going too fast for the curve, police said. Wiles was wearing a helmet, but it appears to have come off when he struck several trees during the crash, police said.

Alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been factors in this fifth traffic fatality in Anchorage this year. The case is still under investigation.

This is the fourth fatal motorcycle crash in Alaska this month.

Police say an increasing number of people are buying motorcycles to save on fuel costs and are urging riders to wear their helmets and get proper training before riding.

Car and truck drivers are likewise requested to be more observant for motorcycle traffic.

Find James Halpin online at adn.com/contact/jhalpin or call him at 257-4589.

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